Plant Care Specialist and Technician

Emerald Tree & Shrub Care is hiring Plant Care Specialist and Technician to support our board-certified Master Arborists. We currently cover the greater New York City, Westchester and Fairfield County areas. Our clientele includes the New York Botanical Gardens, The Bronx Zoo and Fordham University.

Our ideal candidate is driven, self-directed, has a passion for plant health care, expertise in tree and plant identification, and has an innate drive to provide top-of-the-line service to every customer.

• Hands-on knowledge of trees and ornamentals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of diseases and pests that are harmful to shrubs and plants
• A desire to learn and grow within the business and the horticultural industry
• Valid driver's license is required
• GED or high school diploma required
• College Degree in Horticulture or related field is preferred
• Industry certificates – a plus but not required

• Detect, identify, and map existing plants on client records
• Diagnose plant and shrub issues
• Create client proposals for plant and shrub care
• Propose landscaping improvements in terms of the health of the plants
• Document plant health into company database
• Delegate daily tasks to crews
• Deliver and communicate plans to client over the phone and onsite
• Work alongside crew daily

Employees who work 30+ hours per week are considered full-time and become eligible for our benefits after just 30 days of employment.

• Competitive pay with opportunities for 40+ hours per week
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays for work-life balance
• Years of Continuous Service/Annual PTO Allotment
  • Less than 1 year/0 hours
  • 1-3 years/56 hours (7 days)
  • 3-5 years/96 hours (12 days)
  • 5+ years/136 hours (17 days)
• Overtime opportunities during storm cleanup and peak seasons
• Long-term disability insurance (employer paid)
• Short-term disability insurance (employer paid)
• Basic life & AD&D insurance (employer paid)
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% company match to help you save for the future
• Flexible Insurances Options: Employees can choose the health, dental, and vision plans that best fit their needs and budget, giving control over premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

• Cigna OAP (Open Access Plus) – broad provider access
• Cigna OAP IN – in‑network focused, lower out‑of‑pocket costs
• Cigna HDHP (High‑Deductible Health Plan) – lower premiums with HSA compatibility

• 2025 Cigna Dental PPO Low Plan – basic coverage at a lower premium
• 2025 Cigna Dental PPO High Plan – enhanced coverage with higher benefits

• 2025 Cigna Vision Plan – comprehensive coverage for exams, lenses, and frames

• The option of a Health Savings Account (HSA) with $250 employer contribution if on a High‑Deductible Health Plan, or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health, dental/vision, and dependent care.
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits (parking, transit, vanpool)
• Legal assistance plan
• Supplemental coverage options: critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance

Emerald Tree and Shrub Care Co. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship status or genetics.